Atleta transgênero é indicada para prêmio “Mulher do Ano” do esporte

A bombshell decision shook the world of sports this week: Lia Thomas , a transgender swimmer who gained notoriety by competing in the women’s category in the United States, has been officially banned from women’s competitions at the 2025 Olympics . According to the new regulation of the International Olympic Committee (IOC), trans athletes who have undergone full male biological development will not be able to compete in the women’s division , regardless of their gender identity.

The news came as a bombshell to both fans and the sports community. Lia Thomas, who had been preparing intensely for the Olympic trials , was taken by surprise when the decision was made official. According to sources close to the athlete, she was shocked by the speed and severity of the decision , and is still evaluating her next steps.

What caught the most attention was the reaction of the male swimmers , with whom Lia will now have to compete if she wants to continue her career in the pools. Some showed support and acceptance, but others were direct and even provocative .

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An Olympic swimmer, who preferred to remain anonymous, said:

“If she wants to compete here, fine. But she’ll find out that the level is completely different. This is no joke.”

Other athletes took to social media to comment on the situation. While some advocated for inclusion and called for respect for Lia’s identity, others argued that sports should prioritize biology and competitive equity .

Experts say the IOC’s new policy is being interpreted as an attempt to avoid future controversy, especially after increasing debates over fairness in sports. Still, the issue remains highly sensitive and polarizing.

So far, Lia Thomas has not made any official statements to the press. She is expected to make a statement in the coming days about her decision to continue or not in the competitive scene.

 

The future of her career is still uncertain, but one thing is clear: the impact of this decision will be felt far beyond the pool — and promises to reignite a global debate about gender, biology and sportsmanship at the Olympics